Hello to fellow Erica Enthusiasts!!

All of us know Erica has been running for over ten years now running more 5k's, 10k's, 50k's, Half and Full Marathons than we can all count. (and lots of shoes too:) She has been trying for the past six years to get into the Lottery of one of the big seven marathons (Chicago, Tokyo, Boston, New York, Syndney, London and Berlin)...well after 20+ rejections, she decided it was time for a new tactic. And turning 50 this year added a new personal edge to it too...so let's go big or go home!!!

Erica has applied and been accepted to work with a division of ACE from Tokyo. Their goal, Action against Child Exploitation works globally on awareness, mitigation and ministries to reduce Child Labour. It is estimated that over 158M children are working on farms, textiles and food services, much of which is forced or at a minimum pulls them from their youthful education. (more on the charity here: https://global.acejapan.org/about-child-labour)

It's a great reason to run!

How it works! - The Tokyo Marathon allots ACE a certain number of bibs and they in turn auction these off as a fundraising tool. Our relationship with the charity is a function of bidding enough to earn the Marathon Bid. We have already paid the charity in full to meet deadlines and guarantee her placement.

As mentioned in the texts I sent out in April around her birthday, having our family and friends support her on her 50th Birthday with a bucket list life item is a super exciting combo! She is SUPER pumped and excited...her flights and hotel are already booked, and the training officially starts in October!

With this "fundraiser" we are only offsetting a portion of the charitable donation that we made to ACE. We are using air and hotel miles to get her there and if G and I are fortunate enough to go, we'll do the same. It's our choice and our expense on that stuff and anything coming in will only support the charity, not our adventure.

Any support is so greatly appreciated as she takes on this personal challenge!